Ben-Hur, Part 4, Chapter 3 summary
Part 4, Chapter 3 of 88 · Book 1 · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 3, Ben-Hur visits Simonides seeking news of his mother and sister, but the merchant demands proof that he is Prince Hur’s son. Unable to establish his identity, Ben-Hur explains his Roman adoption and renounces any claim to Simonides’ wealth, then leaves in despair when Simonides reports that his family remains lost.
What happens
- Ben-Hur surveys Simonides’ thriving trade and resolves to free him if he provides news of his mother and sister.
- Simonides receives Ben-Hur in his rooftop home, where Esther offers a seat and wine.
- Ben-Hur identifies himself and asks whether Simonides is his father’s former servant, prompting a demand for proof.
- Without evidence of his identity, Ben-Hur recounts his adoption by Arrius, military training, and arrival in Antioch.
- Ben-Hur rejects any claim to the merchant’s fortune and pleads for information about his missing family.
- Simonides says his search yields no news, and Ben-Hur departs declaring that vengeance alone gives him purpose.
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In this chapter
Quick check
What does Simonides demand before answering about his relationship with Prince Hur?
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